Course Levels

You will learn to make use of skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out simple tasks and activities. You will do this in contexts with which you are already familiar.

Your tutor will give you the support and guidance that you need to carry out activities at this level.

Level 1

You may see the term ‘Introductory’ in the course title

You will learn to use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete routine tasks, perhaps in less familiar contexts.

Your tutor will give you the support and guidance that you need to complete tasks at this level.

Level 2(equivalent to GCSEs at A-C grade)

You may see the term ‘Intermediate’ in course title

You will learn to select and use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete well-defined tasks and address straightforward problems.

Your tutor will expect you to take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures, and to exercise some independent judgement. Your tutor will provide you with the support or guidance that you need.

Level 3(equivalent to A levels)

You may see the term ‘Advanced’ in course title

You will learn to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to complete tasks, and to address well-defined but more complex problems.

You will also learn to become aware of different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work.

Your tutor will expect you to take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures, and to exercise independent judgement within limited parameters. He or she will support and guide you in doing this.

Is this the right course?

People attend courses for many different reasons. Think about your aims and goals. Which of these apply to you?

I want to:

1. Change my career or job

2. Apply for a job

3. Apply for promotion

4. Work towards higher courses, such as a degree course

5. Learn something new

6. Stimulate my mind

7. Meet people

8. Contribute to my community

Goals 1. to 4. You will probably be interested in gaining qualifications. You may wish to browse through our accredited courses. You may also benefit from speaking to a careers service or from completing a diagnostic or psychometric test. Call 0800 100 900 for the National Careers Service, the government-backed careers advice service, or visit the site at https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk for more information.

Goals 5. to 8. Qualifications will probably be less important to you, and you may be more interested in the course subject, who is teaching your course and who else is likely to be on it. For more detailed advice about any of our courses, or to speak to a tutor, ring your Regional Office on 0300 303 3464 in the first instance or email courseenquiries@wea.org.uk.